In this issue, we’re taking a look at how Zachary lives. Whether it’s a dream home on a hill, or one on wheels, what’s most striking in these stories is that the occupants have leaned in to what makes a house a home–for them and no one else. 

Like people, every home tells a story. Here’s hoping the place at the end of your driveway is a sanctuary of peace for you and yours.

The Streets We Call Home

We're also discovering that the names of the streets and subdivision that we call home can be linked to the legacies of some of our city's founders and people who truly invested in our city to make it a great place to call home.

Dr. Augustus East: East Meadow 

Dr. A.L. East, Sr. was a surgeon during the Civil War and lived in the Plains. Dr. East was born in 1840. He fathered 8 children. 2 of whom became doctors.

Dr. Howard Martin: Fennwood

After acquiring the land from Mrs. Anne M. Fenn, he assembled 11 charter members and Fennwood Hills Country Club opened in 1967.

Dr. Thomas Mills: Mills Pointe

Dr. Thomas Lilley Mills practiced from an office in his home and prescribed medicines for his patients from his yard. This home was located on Old Scenic Highway, across from Plains Presbyterian Church. There was a covered bridge on one side of the home, which had seats used for patients waiting to see the doctor. Dr. Mills was 93 years old at the time of his death in 1960.

Marshall Bond: 

McHugh Road:

The first mayor of Zachary was Thomas McHugh when Zachary was officially chartered as a town in 1889. 

Montegudo:

In 1891, McHugh resigned as mayor and James A. Montegudo was appointed acting mayor. In 1895, Montegudo became postmaster. He served until his death in 1913.

How did Ambrosia get its name?

Ambrosia was established in 1873 as a post office. It was located at the intersection of Church Street and Scenic Hwy, where the Ambrosia is located today! In addition to the post office, a store and school was also located there. 

Ambrosia was also known as the Lower Plains, and it is thought to have been named for Dr. Ambrose Williams, who lived in the area. Ambrosia is closely connected to the Plains community as we know it today. 

Fun fact: 

So great was the fear of yellow fever that on October 18, 1897, the council considered the advisability of a quarantine against Baton Rouge where one case had been reported. A detention camp was set up, fines for quarantine violation were set at $25, no mail was received from Baton Rouge, no goods nor persons from Baton Rouge were allowed to enter Zachary. All seven public roads leading into town were ordered guarded. Guards were paid one dollar per night. 

The seven roads were McHugh-Greenwell Springs Road (probably LA Hwy 64) Slaughter Road, Rhodes Crossing , Plains Road at Chinn’s, Port Hudson Road at Baton’s church, Baker Road, Joe Penny’s lane, and Montegudo Crossing.

Source Zachary Places and Faces,1975